What comes after mastering Open chords? [I Love Guitars]

The reason I ask about songs is so many guitarists want to learn the chords but their timing and strum pattern suck. That’s something you can only learn from putting it into practice with actual songs. Timing and actual strum pattens are a super big deal if you really want to play.

@DarkHeaven yes I've learnt a few very basic songs and I strum along with friends who play the instrument to the most simple chords. This is just a lot of fun, but I'm really interested in learning a bit more about notes. I have read some theory and it has really engrossed me and tho I don't sound really good yet I'm finding that part of learning guitar more comprehensive than grasping technique straight away!

@Lucywrites I understand. Whatever keeps you motivated. Motivation is key to keeping going. Good luck. ✌️

@DarkHeaven so true... timing, true solid rhythm are crucial

@SW-User Yeah. I remember hearing that any good song is three chords and the truth. Some of the simplest songs (chord wise) such as John Denver stuff is all just a few simple chords and timing and rhythm. Using finger picking to make a masterpiece out of the simplest rifts.That’s real music.

@DarkHeaven I learned by John Denver and some Gordon Lightfoot. Lol
You’re so right
When I taught my son guitar, he was a very fast learner of the chords and even strumming techniques and attack.. But he struggled with relaxed rhythm and groove. I had to do extra coaching in that area because that’s hard to teach someone.. just letting yourself settle into the groove.

@SW-User My biggest problem was playing in a band. My own timing and rhythm is really strong but you have to match the other people and I’m like on my own island or something. Having a good drummer was always really vital for me keeping time with all the other people that are in the band.

@DarkHeaven oh yes yes yes..
Exposure to playing with others is vital. And even early on.
The rock solid and fluid rhythm section couldn’t be any more vital for the strength of the band. Even if the lead guitarist ain’t a mega shredder. Of which I’m never impressed with BTW

@SW-User I was the lead singer and lead guitarist but easily the weakest player. The rhythm guitarist was straight off the hook and the bassist was self taught and couldn’t read music but could play anything straight by ear and was probably one of the most talented musicians that I have ever played with. He played bass almost like lead and did things you’re not supposed to be able to do on bass, all while keeping time and rhythm and pulling it all together. It was amazing. I’m a fairly decent player but these guys made me look weak, so I just tried to keep up and not bring down the sound.

@DarkHeaven but I hope they were also as humble as they were talented and just took you under their wing and made you an even better player...
I’ve played with lots of highly talented musicians that were self crafted as well. Some of the best as opposed to the solid theory based musicians..

@SW-User I agree. I had three years of piano before I started guitar, so I can read music and I’m talented with words. So I wrote all the music and lyrics as well I’m a more talented singer than guitarist, so that’s why the kept me around. I did get better as a result of playing with them (they were great guys... I was dating the rhythm player and the bassist was one of our best friends) but I was never going to be as good as them. You just know when you are in the presence of greatness. We were actually gaining traction and getting a following, even having scouts look at us but then I got sick and the band broke up and my life fell apart. Oh well, I guess. C'est la vie. ✌️

@DarkHeaven well dang to the end of that story.. 😕😕
I also once played with a bassist that was as equal on bass as I am guitar
He was incredible. One of the most humble guys I’ve played with. His rhythm and groove pocket was so solid and fluid.. it was often hard to find drummers that felt the same pocket

@SW-User I’ve always believed that no matter how talented the other musicians, a drummer can make or break a band, because timing and rhythm are so critical... especially in a group setting. Our drummer in my third and final band was probably the most talented musician I’ve played with in general and definitely the best drummer. Maybe even the best drummer I’ve heard in general. He was so clean and precise it was easy for the whole band to settle in together. Boy was he a dick, though. I always felt like he thought our timing was sloppy and was practically wasting his time. I wanted to hate him but you couldn’t deny his talent. I listen to bands like Metallica, who I love by the way, and you wonder how they can even make it work with such sloppy drumming. Most bands need it good for it to work.

@SW-User I always felt like, dude, you’re the drummer. Keeping our time is like literally your job. lol

@DarkHeaven lmao... so true

@SW-User Our keyboardist was super legit too. Like I said, I’m a petty decent player, but easily the weakest instrumentalist of the group.

@DarkHeaven I bet you’re not giving yourself near enough credit. I’m betting that had you not played anything, the fullness of the songs wouldn’t be as present

@SW-User Worst part was, I was the only girl in the band, so even though I’m the writer, lyricist, acoustics person and honestly the most anal about our sound in general... the sound guys would always head over to the boys to ask about levels because my pretty little head couldn’t possibly know that. Fucking sexist bullshit. My band mates would always point them to me and be like, Dude I ain’t saying shit... you are literally going to get us all fucking killed if you let us fuck with her sound. I’m a little bit of a bitch about the sound mechanics and presentation. You start your night off wrong and often it never quite gets right again that night.

@SW-User I get it. They needed my part, but any decently talented musician could have filled in. What they needed was my mind and my voice. That was the part they couldn’t easily replace.

@DarkHeaven but your “part” was the whole package

@SW-User My ex used to say he wished he could live in my mind. I don’t even what the fuck that means but it was kinda cute. lol

@DarkHeaven minds such as ours, are so intricate and complex
While sometimes fascinating to others, it’s exhausting for us. lol
At least that’s how I feel

@SW-User Yeah, my mind’s a mess. It what forces me to create but it also tears me apart just as easily.

https://similarworlds.com/32-Personal-Thoughts-Feelings/2843987-Electric-Notes-Electric-Notes-Electric-notes-from

@DarkHeaven mmmmm.... perfect words

@SW-User ty 🌸